Betsy Warren is a singer/songwriter based in Birmingham, AL. She has sung with several different bands in various genres when living in Alabama, California and Tennessee. While in California,

Betsy co-wrote a song with Darryl Purpose which was chosen for the Fast Folk Los Angeles compilation CD. Currently, Betsy and her partner Dan Hunziker enjoy co-creating neo-soul/smooth jazz tunes. They are heavily influenced by the funkmeisters of Old Skool, as well as current R&B, world and jazz artists. They enjoy creating tunes comprised of conscious, insightful--and sometimes playful--lyrics, with innovative and often retro grooves that make you want to get up and move. Cuts from their album “See Me” recently received airplay on many smooth jazz stations and charted #38 on SmoothJazz.com Global Radio’s Top 50 Radar Chart. In addition, “See Me” won the July 2017 Akademia Music Award for Best Jazz Album.

The Underground interviewed Betsy and here is what she had to say:

What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?

Neo-soul/smooth-jazz tunes comprised of conscious, insightful--and sometimes playful--lyrics, with innovative and often retro grooves and instrumentation that make you want to get up and move.

What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?

My partner and collaborator Dan Hunziker and I continue to work on tunes for the next album. Dan is laying down some tracks for up-and-coming R&B/rap artists in Atlanta. I look forward to contributing to that collaboration.

What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?

My ultimate goal is to achieve recognition and success as a singer/songwriter/artist and to have well-known artists record my some of our songs. My Plan of Action includes continuing to create music with the best writing, singing and production I and my partner are capable of. We are looking to grow our recognition, exposure and fan base by optimizing social media platforms and collaborating with other talented musicians.

What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?

Our updated, jazz-up version of the classic “Summertime,” because it is vocally challenging and can be sung quite playfully. In our updated version, Mamma is wealthy and empowered, and Daddy is a trifle too good-looking.

What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus far?

I have always had to work full-time. My current job is very stressful, so it is quite a challenge to carve out time and to find the mental and emotional energy for the creative process.

What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?

My partner and co-writer, Dan Hunziker, and I collaborate on the music and lyrics, then co-produce and master our songs in ProTools. I usually start by humming a melody to the tracks created by my partner. Occasionally, I will come up with a melody first, but hearing the music first sparks my creativity. I often come up with several melody lines, but I settle on the one that best fits the lyrics and the rhythm and pulse of the song. Dan and I will come up with the song plot before writing the lyrics. The tracks suggest the song's mood, but the song plot dictates the storyline, the characters, the movement and development. After the bones of the song are in place, we start designing the soundscape, the harmonies, the intro, the way the song will end.

How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?

ReverbNation, SoundCoud, SmoothJazz.com Global Radio, CD Baby, YouTube, and Facebook are particularly responsible for helping us develop our fan base. We love having fans all over the world.

I have always sung, even in junior high and high school, when I was in a folk trio that did a lot of Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, with those amazing harmonies. But I have always had to work full-time (currently in the behavioral health field), so I have never been able to be completely devoted to making music, unfortunately.

Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?

When I get there myself, I will let you know, LOL. I would just say stay true to your vision for your own music. We all emulate early on to try on different styles, but you eventually have to create your own inimitable blend.

What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?

I would not sign cookie-cutter artists who all sound the same, following the latest trend. I would make it easier for talented artists to gain access to world-wide distribution to build their fan base and create a viable revenue stream.

How Do You Feel About Originality?

I would not sign cookie-cutter artists who all sound the same, following the latest trend. I would make it easier for talented artists to gain access to world-wide distribution to build their fan base and create a viable revenue stream.

Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?

Just that making music is my passion and restores my heart and soul. My hope is that this passion comes through my music and replenishes those who hear the songs Dan and I create.